See also
| Husband: | Thomas *+ GRENVILLE (1449-1513) | |
| Wife: | Isabella *+ GILBERT (1445-1477) | |
| Children: | Roger *+ GRENVILLE (1477-1524) | |
| Marriage | 1473 | Stow, Cornwall, England1 |
Thomas *+ GRENVILLE
| Name: | Thomas *+ GRENVILLE | |
| Sex: | Male | |
| Father: | Thomas *+ GRANVILLE (1417-1483) | |
| Mother: | Elizabeth *+ of GORGES (1421-1470) | |
| Birth | 1449 | Stow, Cornwall, England |
| Occupation | High Sheriff of Cornwall, 2nd Baron of Grenville | |
| Death | 18 Mar 1513 (age 63-64) | Stow, Cornwall, England |
| Burial | St. Mary Churchyard | |
| Bideford, Torridge, Devonshire, England Interred in the Church |
||
| Name: | Isabella *+ GILBERT | |
| Sex: | Female | |
| Father: | - | |
| Mother: | - | |
| Birth | 1445 | Compton, Devonshire, England |
| Death | 1477 (age 31-32) | Stow, Cornwall, England |
| Name: | Roger *+ GRENVILLE | |
| Sex: | Male | |
| Spouse: | Margaret *+ WHITLEIGH (1474-1514) | |
| Birth | 1477 | Stow, Cornwall, England |
| Occupation | Sheriff of Cornwall | |
| Death | 7 Jul 1524 (age 46-47) | Stow, Cornwall, England |
It appears that the Grenvflls settled near Bideford, where they are stated to have held knight's fees under the Crown, and also under the honour of Gloucester; and Sir Theobald Grenville in the latter part of the reign of King Edward the Third, was the principal founder and promoter of building the bridge at Bideford ; John Grandison was then Lord Bishop of Exeter, who caused it to bo proclaimed in his Cathedral, and throughout all other churches in Devon and Cornwall, that all persons whatsoever that would promote or encourage such a work should partake of all spiritual blessings for ever. Sir Richard Gurnard or Gurney was then parish priest of Bideford, who it seems was admonished in his sleep to undertake this work, as Bishop Bronscomb was to build Glasney College in Cornwall; the Goldneys, Octanettes, and most other families of note in Cornwall and Devon were benefactors tothis work, which bridge was finished tempore Richard II., assisted by a bull of indulgencies from Rome.
John Grenvill, of Bideford, that married Burghert, was the first Sheriff of Devon of this family, 15 Richard II., son of Sir Theobald. Thomas Grenvill, that married Gilbert, was the first Sheriff of Cornwall of this family, 21 Edward IV., 1480, also the first of Henry VH., 1485, and probably the first of those gentlemen that settled at Stowe, for at such time as he was Sheriff of Cornwall, 21 Edward IV., one George Grenvill was Sheriff of Devon.
One Robert Grenvill was Sheriff of Cornwall the 2nd, 10th, and 14th Henry V1H. Richard Grenvill was Sheriff of Cornwall 36 Henry Vlll. Richard Grenvill was Sheriff of Devon 18 of Elizabeth. Bernard Grenvill was Sheriff of Devon 38 of Elizabeth.
Roger, younger son of Sir Richard Grenvill that married Bonvill of KiHigarth, who in the Mary Rose frigate, 37 Henry VHI., 1545, commanded by Sir George Carew, Knight, with more than four hundred men besides, after they had for several days fought the French fleet off the Isle of Wight under the command of Lord Dumbolt, Admiral of France, with great victory and success, unfortunately afterwards as the said ship passed out of the harbour of Portsmouth into the sea, by the neglect and carelessness of the gunner and mariners, one of which had left the cannon or ordnance untrigged or chained, and the latter having left the under port or gun-holes open, by means whereof, when the ship turned upon her lee, the guns fell all on that side of the ship and bore the port-holes under water, so that the sea in an instant abundantly flowing in through those port-holes filled her with water, whereof she sunk into the deep, in the sight of King Henry himself, whereby the captain and all his men were suddenly and violently drowned in the sea.
Of his father, Sir Richard Grenvill, the elder, thus speaks Mr. Carew in his Survey of Cornwall, "he interlaced his home magistracy with martial employments abroad, whereof the King testified his good liking by his liberality." Again, his son, the second Sir Richard, after his travel and following the wars under the Emperor Maximilian against the Turks, for which his name is recorded by sundry foreign writers, and his undertaking to people Virginia and Ireland, made so glorious a conclusion in her Majesty's ship the Revenge, of which he had charge as Captain and of the whole fleet as ViceAdmiral, that it seemed thereby, when he found none other to compare withal in his life, he strived through a virtuous envy to exceed it in his death; a victorious loss for the realm, and of which the Spaniard may say, with Pyrrhus, that many such conquests would beget his utter overthrow. Lastly, his son John took hold of every martial occasion that was ministered him, until, in service against his Highness' enemies, under the command of Sir Walter Raleigh, the ocean became his bed of honour.
" Sir Seville Grenvill, son of Bernard, by Seville's heir of Killi^arth in Talland, was a gentleman of such urbanity, valour, and integrity in those parts, that my commendations cannot make the least addition thereto, nor I think that of a more florid or abler pen; who, as his duty obliged, engaged himself, his life and fortune, on the part and behalf of King Charles I.; and being first a horse Colonel in the Militia for this County, was afterwards obliged to head or lead those soldiers, he had raised in Cornwall, by virtue of the King's Commission, under command of Sir Ralph Hopton, Knight, his General in the west, from Launceston into Somersetshire, at a place called Lansdowne, five miles from Bristol, where Hopton and the King's army met and gave battle to the Parliament forces under command of Sir William Waller; in which engagement Sir Beville Grenvill, Knight, charging boldly at the head of his troop, was unfortunately slain, tbe 5th of July, 1613.
Orcot now Orchard, in this parish, was the jurisdiction under which Kilkhampton was taxed in Domesday Roll, 1087; from which place, I take it, was denominated the family surnamed de Orchard, now in possession thereof,; particularly Charles Orchard, gentleman, steward to Sir John Rolle of Stevenston. This gentleman was Sheriff of Cornwall about the year 1703.
ILKHAMPTON, anciently called Kilhamland, is situated in the deanery of
Trigg Major, and in the hundred of Stratton; it is bounded on the north, by
Moorwinstow ; on the east by Bradworthy and Sutcombe, in Devon ; on the
south by Pancrasweek in Devon, Launcells, and Poughill; and on the vest
by the Bristol Channel.
The estimated tithable lands of the parish amount to 7300 acres; of which 6100a.
are arable; 200a. meadow and pasture; 150a. woodland; 100a. glebe; 350a. roads, wastes,
and common land; and 400a. the estate of Dunsmouth, the great tithes of which,
amounting to £50, are impropriated to the lord of the manor.
The tithes are commuted at £662, namely, to the rector £612, and to the lord of the
manor £50. The patron of the rectory is Lord John Thynne.
The parish contains by actual measurement 8077a. 3r. 3jp. ; of which the glebo
measures 107a. Ob. 21p.
List of rectors:—
1312, Richard, second son of Sir Bartholomew Granville.
1324, Oct. 24, Thomas Stapeldon, brother to Walter de Stapeldon, bishop of Exeter; he was presented by
Sir Henry Granville. 1382, Sept. 8, Thomas Cory, presented by Sir John Granville. 1524, Sept. 10, John Granville; he died possessed of this living with that of Week S. Mary, in 1580.
1660, Dr. Nicholas Monk, brother to General Monk. On the 23rd July, 1640, he had been admitted to the small living of Langtree, on the presentation of Charles I., and whilst holding this living he obtained October 7,1642, a licence to marry Susannah Trosse, a widow of Plymptree. His kinsman Sir John Granville, afterwards Earl of Bath, transferred him to Kilkhampton, and which in critical times he was enabled to hold unmolested, through the political interest of the General. Thus he was afforded, in conjunction with Sir John Grenville, opportunities of negotiating with the General for the restoration of Charles II. On its successful termination, the king appointed him in July, 1660, to the provostship of Eton College, and soon after to the bishopric of Hereford, to which he was consecrated January 7,1661; but died at Westminster, on the 17th of the following December.
1661, July 10, Dennis Grenville succeeded his first cousin Dr. Nicholas Monk; but he resigned May 11, 1664. On the 14th of December, 1684, he was installed dean of Durham; but refusing to abjure James II. he was deprived of his dignity in February 1690. He retired to Paris where he died without issue.
1672, March 12, Joseph Coryndon, A.M.; he held the rectory for nearly forty years, and died in 1711.
1711, October 2, Chamond Grenville
1726, March 2, William Leaver
1763, September 20, Dr. William Cokayne
1798, March 23, Joseph Monkhouse
1800, April 12, Thomas Waldron Hornbuckle
1804, March 8, John Davis. On taking the adjoining vicarage of Poughill, he was re-admitted to this,
October 2, 1810. And the present rector, the Rev. Arthur-Christopher Thynne, Prebendary of Exeter Cathedral, admitted
in 1858.
The church, which is one of the most interesting in the county, is dedicated to S. James. It comprises a chancel, nave, and north and south aisles. In 1860 the whole fabric was repaired and skilfully restored from plans judiciously prepared by George-Gilbert Scott, Esq., architect. The whole of the east end was rebuilt, and three good granite window with rich tracery have taken the places of the old ones. The chancel and side-chapels are parted off by .tracery work and carved oak screens. The chancel floor is paved with Minton's encaustic tiles. The chancel window, the munificent gift of Lord John Thynne. the patron, represents in rich and glowing colours the Passion and Crucifixion. The east window of the south chapel, which is the Grenville mortuary chapel, represents the Resurrection. A brass underneath is inscribed,—" To the Glory of God, and in memory of an ancient, brave, and loyal house, the three windows of this Mortuary Chapel of the Granvilles were enriched with stained glass by their descendants, George Granville, Duko and Earl of Sutherland, K.G. ; John-Alexander, Marquis of Bath; George-GranvilleErancis, Earl of Ellesmere ; Lord John Thynne, D.D., Canon of Westminster; 1860." The two other windows of this chapel referred to in the inscription, represent the genealogical descent of the Grenvilles from their Norman extraction to the extinetion of the male line. In the chantry Lady Cartaret has caused a window of like character to be placed, in memory of the descendants of John Grenville, Earl of Bath, by whom the Kilkhampton property has been transmitted to the present possessor. A brass underneath has this inscription,—"Glory to God. This window was enriched with stained glass by Mary-Anne, widow of John Lord Carteret, in memory of Grace Countess Granville, Viscountess Carteret, widow of George first Baron Carteret, youngest daughter & coheiress of John Earl of Bath, Viscount Lansdowne, Baron Granville of KUkhampton and Bideford; her heirs and descendants: 1860."
Under a stained glass window in the south aisle, is a brass inscribed as follows,—" The gift of W. H. E. Bentinck, M.A., Archdeacon of Westminster." He also presented the east window of the chantry: one represents the four Evangelists; the other the infant life of the Saviour.
The west window of the north aisle contains figures of the four major Prophets; a brass attached is engraved,—" Sir George Stucley, Bart., A.D. 1861. Pro Deo et Grege."
The west or tower window, seen through the lofty tower arch, was enriched with stained glass at the expense of the rector and his lady, in memory of his brother; beneath it is a brass inscribed,—" To the Glory of God, and the memory of "William-Erederick Thynne, Captain 2nd Battallion Rifle Brigade, who fell at Lucknow, March 11, 1858." "A. C. & G. E. F. J. Thynne, 1860."
The pulpit is of oak, richly carved; it stands on a solid basement of granite. The lectern is of white metal, with brass ornaments. The old carved oak standards and open benches have been repaired. In the mortuary chapel is a piscina; the rood stairs are walled up. The font is of Norman character.
The arcades have each seven four-centred arches of granite, supported on slender pillars of the same material. The roofs, which are of oak, are of the cradle pattern, richly carved.
The old altar piece, presented by the master builders of the mansion of the Earl of Bath at Stowe, which represented Moses and Aaron, the Earl's arms emblazoned, etc., has been judiciously removed.
The arms of the Grenvilles, etc., have been restored and re-emblazoned. The entrances arc a south porch, a north door, a vestry door, and the Grenville chapel door. The south doorway is considered to be the richest spcciman of Norman architecture in the county. The circular arch comprises a course of the beak-headed moulding, and two double courses of the chevron moulding. Over the doorway are inscribed the words " Porta Coeli," and the date 1567.
The lofty tower is of three stages, and is finished with battlements and pinnacles; it contains six bells.
Monuments in the church bear the following inscriptions :—
Here lyes all that was Mortal of the most noble & truly Valiant Sir Bcvill Granville, of Stowe in the County of Cornwall, Earl of Corbill and Lord of Thorigny & Granville, in France & Normandy, descended in a direct Line from Robert second Son of ye Warlike Rollo, first Duke of Normandy, who after having obtained divers signall Victoryes over ye Rebels in ye West, was at length slain with many Wounds at the Battle of Lansdowne, July ye 5, 1643. He was born ye 23d day of March, 1595, and was deposited with his Noble and Heroick Ancestors in this Church ye 26th of July, 1643.
He Marry'd the most Virtuous Lady, Grace, Daughter of Sir George Smith of ye County of Devon, by whom he had many Sons, Eminent for their Loyalty & firm adherence to ye Crown and Church; And severall Daughters, Remarkable Examples of true Piety. He was indeed an excellent Person, whose activity, Interest, and Reputation, was ye foundation of what had been done in Cornwall; and his temper and affections so Pnblick that no accident which happen'd could make any impressions in him. And his Example kept others from taking any thing ill, or at least seeming to do so; in a word A brighter Courage, and a gentler disposition were nevar marry'd together, to make ye most chearf ull and innocent conversation. Vid: Earl of Clarendon's History of ye Rebellion. To ye Immortall memory of his Renown'd Grandfather, this Monument was erected by ye Right Honblo. George Lord Lansdowne, Treasurer of ye Household to Queen Ann, and one of Her Majesty's most Honble. Privey Counsel, &c, in ye year of our Lord 1714.
Thus slain thy Valiant Ancestor did ly,
when his one Bark A Navy did defy:
when now encompast round He Victor stood,
And bath'd his Pinnace in his co'quering blood ;
Till all his purple Current dry'd and spent,
He fell and made the waves his monument.
where shall yo next fam'd Gronvill's ashes stand ?
Thy Grandsyre fills the Seas, and thou ye land.
Martin L. Lewellin.
Vid: Oxford University Versos, Printed 1643.
A collection of verses, by the University of Oxford, on the death of Sir Bevill Grenville, was printed in 1643, and reprinted in 1684. Martin Llewellyn was a poet and physician ; and was sometime principal of S. Mary Hall in Oxford. In the latter part of his life he resided at High Wycomb, and died there in 1682, and lies buried in the north chancel aisle of that church.
Near this place lieth the body of John Warmington, Gent. (and Steward to the Right Honourable John Earl of Bath ;) who died the 12th day of December, A.D. 1699; and in the 61st year of his age.
This monument was erected in memory of Richard Westlake, of Emsworthy in this Parish, Gent. who was interred near this place on the 4th day of April, in the year of our Lord 1704; Atatis suse 76. Also Bernard, his eldest Son, who was buried the 28th of April, 1723; aged 68.
This monument was erected in memory of Mr. John Courtis, of this Town, Mercer, who was interred near this place on the 20th day of August, 1705; Atatis suse 65, And also of Marget his wife, buried January 15,1719; 69.
In momory of the Rev. Joseph Coryndon, A Mr. of arts, the 5th son of John Coryndon, of Bratton Clovelly, Gent., who faithfully and conscientiously served as Rector of thus Parish about 40 years, till it pleased God to take him to himself on the 15th of September; in the 66th year of his age, A.D. 1711.
Here Lyeth ye Body of Sarah ye Wife of Alexr. Cottell, of Aldercombe, in this Parish, Gent. who departed this life yc 7th of August, 1727; in ye 30th year of her age.
Brasses in the chancel are inscribed:—
Rev. Chamond Granvill, 1726. Rebecca Greenville, 1729.
Thomas Gist, 1726. Elizabeth Gist, 1767.
Rer. Daniel Bollen, 1672. Margaret Bollen, 1689.
Rev. Oliver Rowse, 1651. Priscilla Rowse, 1646.
William Bollen, 1665.
A brass over the principal entrance is thus engraved :—
In memory of the Rev. John Davis, Rector of this Parish, for 53 years; died 18th of January, 1857; aged 78. Also of Elizabeth Ms wife ; died 10th of April, 1859; aged 82. And of Mary Ground, sister of the abovenamed Elizabeth Davis; died 21st October, 1858; aged 90.
Floor stones bearing the following inscriptions have been removed:—
Here lyeth the body of the Rev. Chamond Granvill, who served as rector of this parish about 15 years, and was buried the 11th day of September, 1726; in the 66th year of his age.
Here lyeth the body of Mrs. Rebecca Granville, widow, who departed this life the 20th September, Anno Dom. 1729; aged 60.
The following interesting records, relating to the Granville family, are from the parish registers:—
Baptisms.
1555, Oct.; Martha film Richard Grainvile, fir. bap. die viii.
1588, Julie; Bernardus filius Thomse Greinvile, gener. die y.
1589, October; Elizabetha filia Thomse Grenvile, gener. die quinto. 1591, Jan.; Brigetta filia Thomse Grenvile, gener. baptiz. die xxvi.
1595, Bevill the sonne of the Worshipfull Bernerde Greynvyle, Esq., was born and baptized at Brinn in
Cornewall, Ao. Dom. 1595. In the margin of the register is the following note,—Born the 23rd daye,
baptized the 25th day of March. 1597, Maye; Gertrude filia vener. viri Bernardi Grenvile, armig. die viii. 1600; Richard the sonne of Barnarde Grainvile, Esq. 26 Junii. 1601; John the son of Barnard Grainvile, Esq. 29 Sept. 1621; Richarde the eldest sonne of the Right Worsh. Bevill Grenvile, Esq. was born at Tremeere, in
Lonteglos by Foye, the 19th March, 1620; the year beginning the 25th March; and was baptized by
Mr. Nicholas Hatche, the vicar there, the 25th March next following, in the year 1621, after yc old
stile, and in the 18th yeare of the raygne of K. James over England. 1626; Bevill the sonne of the Bight Worspl. Bevill Grenvile, Esq. & Grace his wife, was born on the
23th of June, baptized 16th of Julye, Ao. Dom. 1626. 1628; John the sonne of the Right Worshipl. Bevill Grenvile, Esq. & Grace his wife, was born ye 29 of
August, baptized ye 16th Sept. A. Dom. 1628. 1629; Bridget ye daughter of ye Right Worshipl. Bevill Grenvile, Esq. & Grace his wife, was born ye
30th of January, & baptized 14th February. 1630; Bernarde ye sonne of yo Bight Worshipl. Beville Grenvile, Esq. and Grace his wife, was born ye
4th day of March, & baptized the 20th day of the same month. 1632; George the sonne of ye Bight Worspl. Bevile Grenville, Esq. & Grace his wife, was born 22nd day
of August, & baptized tho 2nd September. 1633; Boger the sonne of ye Bight Worsple. Bevile Grenvile, Esq. & Grace his wife, was born ye 3 of
November, & baptized the 17 of November. 1635; Joane ye daughter of ye Right Worsple. Bevile Grenvile, Esq. and Grace his wife, was born ye
30th Septr. & baptized 14th Octr. 1636; Dennis ye sonne of ye Right Worll. Bevile Grenvile, Esq. and Grace his wife, was born the 13th
Febr. and baptized 26 Feby. 1638; Marye ye daughter of ye Bight Wore. Bevile Granville, Esq. and Grace his wife, was born yc 4th
June, and baptized 8th July. 1653; Jane the eldest daughter of the Right Worsh. Sir John Grenville, was born the 23rd of August,
1653, and baptized the same day, at St. Giles- in the Fields, London. 1654; Grace the second daughter of the Bight Worsil. Sir John Grenvile, & Dame Jane his wife, was
born in Lincoln Inn Fields, in the parish of St. Giles, in London, on the 3rd day of September, 1654,
and baptized the same day. 1655; Mary the daughter of Sir John Grenvile, & Dame Jano his wife, was born in Plymouth on the 3rd
day of August, and baptized the 13th.
1656; Bridget the daughter of the Right Worsh. Sir John Granville, Knt. & Dame Jano his wife, was
borne the 6th day of February, and baptized the 20th February. 1661; Charles Sonne of John Earl of Bath, & Damo Jane his wife, was baptized at St. James 31st
August. 1665; John sonne of John Earl of Bath, & Dame Jane his wife, was baptized at St. James, London,
12th April.
MARRIAOE9.
1586; Arthurus Tremaine, gen. ot Maria Grenvile, gener, die 11 June. 1610; William Prowte & Bridgett Greinvile, 20 Augusti. 1644; Robert Fortescu, Esquire, 4 Grace Grenvile, 20 February. 1645; Peter Prideaux, Esqr., and Elizabeth Grenvile, 17 Novr. Burials. Anno Domini 1550, March, Richardus Greenvile, miles, die xxiii. 1550, April, D'na Matilda Greinvile, die xxv. 1565, December, Rogerus films Richardi Grenvile, die x. 1580, Maye Johes Greinvile cler. rect. eccles de Kilkhampton, die quinto. 1588, September, Bcrnardus films Thomse Greinvile, gen. die primo. 1593, August, Maria (ilia Thomse Greinvile, gener. die xv. 1605, Elizabeth the daughter of Bernerd Greinvile, Esquire, 12 Sept . 1G25, Thomas Grenvile, pent. 10th Julye. 1631, Katherine Grenvile, 12 Feb.
1635, Roger Grenvile, 5th June ; Bevill Grenvile, 21 Feby.
1636, Sir Bernarde Grenvile, Knight, 26 June. 1639, Mary Grenvile, 4th August.
1613, Sir Bevill Grenvile, Knight, 26th July.
1644, Grace Lady Smith, 16th January.
1647, Grace lady Grenvile, 8th June.
1701, John Earl" of Bathe, Septem. ye 22. Charles Earl of Bath, Sept. ye 22.
1726, Chamond Granville, rector Sept. 11.
1729, Mrs. Rebecca Granville, Sept. 22.
The manor of Kilkhampton, said to ho the Chilcfatone, or Kilchetona of the Domesday Books, is supposed to have belonged to the Grenville family from about the time of the Conquest.
Two brothers, Robert surnamed Fitz-Hamon, Earl of Corbill, and Lord of Thorigny and Granville in France and Normandy, afterwards Lord of Glamorgan in Wales; and Richard surnamed Dc Grenvill, are said to have come first into England as military officers under William the Conqueror, in 1066. Earl Robert was made general of all the conqueror's forces in England; and his brother Richard, being a man of great valour and experience in war, had settled upon him at Bideford, where he resided, three knight's fees of land.
" Richard do Granville, knight," says Dugdale, " who first settled himself at Bytheford, was a great assistant to his brother Robert Fitz-Hamon in his expedition against the Welsh, when he slew Rees Ap Theodore, prince of South Wales, and Jestin lord of Glamorgan ; for which noble services the said Robert divided that country among those twelve knights which had so faithfully assisted him, whose names are these,—William de Londres, Richard de Grenvill, Pain Tuberville, Robert St. Quintin, Richard Siward, Gilbert de Humfraville, Reginald de Sully, Roger de Berkrells, Peter de Soore, John Le Fleming, John de St. John, William Lo Estcrling alias Stradling.
"Sir Richard Granville had as a reward of his valour and courage, for his partage, the town and county of Neath, in Glamorganshire, allotted unto him; who to manifest his piety as well as generosity, according to the devotion of those days, gave it all to God and his church ; erecting and endowing a monastery at Neath aforesaid, dedicated to the Virgin Mary for Cistercian Monks, upon whom, 'tis said, he bestowed all his military VOL. II. Y2
acquests for their maintenance ; so that at the dissolution of those houses, it was valued
at an hundred and fifty pounds per annum. Having finished and settled this foundation,
he returned to his patrimony at Bytheford, where he lived in great honor and reputation
the rest of his days."
In 1653, a Mr. John Nichols of Hartland had in his possession a prophecy said to have
been found in Neath Abbey, which was kept in a curious box of jet, written in the year
1400, concerning the founder of that monastery ; it was as follows:—
Amongst the trayno of valliant Knights that with King William came,
Grenvile is great, a Norman borne, renowned hy his fame.
His helmet rais'd and first nnlac'd upon the Cambrian shore,
Where he in honour to his God, this Abbey did decore
With costly buildings, ornaments, and gave us spatious lands,
As the first fruits which victory did give unto his hands.
Now let me see what happiness shall light upon his line
Or what endowments shall succeed to his in future time.
They shall in honour long subsist, and fortune still shall smile,
Until at length (ah woe is me!) when Merlin with a wile
Shall them subdue, a-nd bodily in woman's shape appear,
To shew them Mars his shield, which they kept full many a year
Within Carnarvon ; and in brass, still seeks to have immur'd,
But never finding means indeed, by Mars to be secur'd;
Because that Vulean crav'd a boon of Jupiter the strong,
That Mars his arms should never free a suppliant from wrong.
Then shall that famous name decline from worldly wealth awhile ;
But then again Charles-Magne's reign shall grac3 them with a smile.
This prophecy was originally written in Latin, and kept at Neath Abbey in parchment, anno 1400.
It has been stated that the manor of Bideford, which was held as of the manor of Gloucester, was the inheritance of the Grenvilles in the reign of Henry II. circa 1160; and that the heirs male until 1295, all bore the christian name of Richard.
We give the following interesting pedigree of the lineal descent of the family.
1. Sir Richard de Grenville, Knight, above referred to, married Constantia, or Constance, said to have been the daughter of Walter Giffard, Earl of Buckinghamshire and Longueville. He had endowed, before the year 1135, S. Mary's Monastery at Neath in Glamorganshire. The foundation deed may yet be seen: in the Monasticon Anglicanum, and is attested by Robert de Granville. Until the suppression of religious houses, its abbot and convent expended £4 per annum in alms for the souls of the said founders, Richard de Grenville and his wife Constantia.
2. Sir Richard de Grenvill, Knt., their son and heir succeeded to the estate. He married Gundreda; and died before 1205.
3. Sir Richard, son of the last named, inherited the family property. He is supposed to have married the heiress of Thomas Fitz-Nicholas de Middleton, and to have died circa 1217.
4. Sir Richard the next lineal heir, is supposed to have married Jane, daughter of William Trewynt. In consideration of a fine levied 22 Henry III. 1237, he conveyed the advowson of the church of Kilkhampton in Cornwall, and the advowson of the church of Bideford in Devon, to Ralph, abbot of Tewkesbury. Notwithstanding, he on April 26, 1261, presented Henry do Bratton to the rectory of Bideford. At his death he left two sons, both in their minority, Richard and Bartholomew.
5. Sir Richard do GreDville. Owing to his minority ratione eustodie Richardi de Greinvilld, Gilbert de Clare, Earl of Gloucester presented to the church of Bideford, and about a fortnight later to Kilkhampton.
30 Edward L, 1301, Richard de Greynville was summoned by Quo warranto to answer to the lord the king by what warrant he claimed to have a market, the setting of the assize of bread and beer, view of frank-pledge, shedding of blood, hue and cry, pillory, waifs, estrays, and other privileges in his manor of Kilkhampton. And the said Richard appeared in court, and pleaded that he and all his ancestors from the time whereof memory did not exist, had used the liberties aforesaid, which fact being found by the jury, judgment was given for the said Richard de Greynville, and the said liberties allowed him. Those liberties had been before claimed, before the justices itinerant.
7 Edward II., 1313 ; a fine was levied between William Greynfield, brother and heir of John Greenfield, Knight, of the manor Kilkhampton, with the appurtenances; and of one messuage; one ploughland; and of the advowson of the church of Kilkhampton.
Sir Richard dying without issue, the estates devolved to his brother.
6. Sir Bartholomew Grenville who presented to the church of Bideford, September 13, 1318. To him and his wife Amy or Ann bishop Stapeldon had granted a license for the celebration of divine service six years before, in capelld sud de Bydyford.
7 Edward II., 1313 ; a fine was levied botweon Bartholomew de Greynfield and Riehard de Greynfield, parson of the church of Kilkhampton, of one messuage, four ploughlands, sixteen acres of meadow, twenty-seven acres of wood, and 72*. rent, in Kilkhampton near Pogewell.
10 Edward II., 1316, there was a suit in the Court of Common Pleas wherein Margaret, who was the wife of Joyce de Dinham was summoned to answer Bartholomew de Greynvillo and wife of a plea of covenant between them concerning the manor of Kilkhampton with the appurtenances.
1 Edward III., 1327, there is a precept or mandate upon the Exchequer rolls from the king to his escheator in Cornwall directing him to deliver certain lands, woods, and rents, on the manor of Kilkhampton, with their appurtenances to Ann who wa3 the wife of Bartholomew de Greynville, and stating that the manor aforesaid was holden of the Earl of Gloucester as of his honor of Wynkeleigh, being in the hands of the king by forfeiture of Hugh le Despencer, junior, holden by the service of one knight's fee. And the precept further directs that sufficient security be taken of the aforesaid Ann to pay £20 annually for the same during the minority of the heir.
It should be noticed here, that in the feodary of the 20 Edward III., 1340, is the following entry,—-Comes Gloc. ten. 2. magna feod. in Kilkham land.
There is no satisfactory evidence that William do Grenefyldu who died archbishop of York, December 6, 1315, was one of this family. Sir Bartholomew left two sons, Henry his heir, and Richard rector of Kilkhampton.
7. Sir Henry Grenville. He presented Thomas Stapeldon to the rectory of Kilkhampton; and the Rev. Henry de Truro to Bideford, December 25, 1324, Dying in 1326 he left by Ids wife Ann Vivian,
8. Theobald, who married Joice, daughter of Thomas Beaumont. This juvenile knight or tryo of the military profession,—-jmetiis miles sive tiro status militaris, as bishop Grandisson describes him, incurred the bishop's severe displeasure for wanton invasion of the manor and vicarage of Bishop's Tawton, at the head of a mob of 500 persons, on the Saturday after S. Benedict's feast, in July, 1347.
On September 5, 1348, he was guilty of flagrant outbreaks at Kilkhampton ; but the determined spirit of the prelate brought the knight to his senses. His act of humiliation in the bishop's palace at Chudleigh, January 14, 1349, was performed in the presence of his sureties, John de Raleigh and John de Dynham, knights, and of Almaric Fitzwaryn, sheriff of Devon.
Sir Theobald is said to have been a great benefactor towards Bideford bridge, which was probably rebuilt about this time.
Trinity term, 22 Edward III., 1348, John de Grandisson, bishop of Exeter, was summoned before the justices of the common pleas to answer Theobald de Grenevile of a plea, wherefore he the bishop, had incumbered the church of Kilkhampton, pending an action of quare impedit between the said Theobald and John de Raleigh.
Theobald pleaded that the said church of Kilkhampton was vacant by the death of the presentee of his late father Henry, to whom the presentation of the said church belonged as heir to his father. Whereupon a dispute arose between the said Theobald and John de Raleigh which was brought into the court of King's bench, 16 Edward III., 1342, and a writ of prohibition was issued to the bishop. By inquisition it was found that the said John de Raleigh was the true patron, and the jury adjudged that 200 marks should be recovered against the said bishop for wrongfully having admitted a clerk against the king's prohibition, but the said Theobald eventually recovered his right of presentation and the fine imposed upon the bishop was remitted.
9. Theobald, son and heir of the last named, married Margaret, daughter of Sir Hugh Courtenay, Knt., of Haccombe and Boconnoc. At his death he left two sons, John and William.
10. Sir John Grenville, married Margaret, daughter of Sir John Burghurst, Knt., and was knighted by Richard II. He presented Robert Braybroke, afterwards bishop of London, to Bideford, July 26, 1381 ; and Thomas Cary to Kilkhampton. In his favour bishop Brantyngham licensed a chapel in the mansion at Slowe, August 13, 1386. This sets aside the conjecture of Hals relative to the first resident of the family at that place.
Sir John, who had been M.P. for Devon in several parliaments, died without issue in 1411.
11. Sir William Grenville succeeded his brother. He presented to the church of Kilkhampton, April 12, 1427, and again March 13, 1449. He appears to have married twice ; by Thomasinc his first wife he had no issue ; by his second wife Philippa, daughter of William, Lord Bonville de Chuton, he had one son, namely,
12. Sir Thomas Grenville, who married first Anne, daughter of Sir Philip Courtenay, Knight, the second of that name, of Powderham. Bishop Lacy authorised their marriage in Atherington church, Sept. 7, 1447. By his second wife Elizabeth, sister of Sir Theobald Gorges, he left a son and heir,
13. Sir Thomas Grenville, married first Isabella daughter of Otho Gilbert, Esq., of Compton. In the obituary of Tywardreath Priory is the following entry relative to this couple,—Maii 5, Thomas Graynfyld miles, if Ezabella uxor ejus. By this lady he had several children, namely, Roger, Richard; Jane married to Sir John Arundell, of Trerice in iNewlyn; whom C. S. Gilbert confounds with his son Sir John. She afterwards married Sir John diamond ; but she survived both her husbands. Honora married to Sir John Basset, Knt., of Umberleigh; Mary became the wife of Richard Bluett, and secondly of Sir Thomas St. Aubyn, of Clowance; Agnes, the wife of John Roscarrock, of Roscarrock ; and two other daughters.
Sir Thomas married secondly Jane Hill, a widow, and had a son John, who died rector of Bideford, in 1508, soon after institution; and a daughter Jane. The father died March 18, 1513 ; and has a mounment in Bideford church.
14. Sir Roger Grenville succeeded. He was called the Great Housekeeper for his open and liberal hospitality. He married Margaret daughter of Richard 'Whitleigh of Efford; and presented to Bideford April 3, 1514. He and his wife are thus recorded in the obituary of Ty wardreath Priory,—Mali 5, Rogerus Graynfyld, armiger, &f Margareta.
At his death in 1523, he left three sons,—Richard; John, rector of Kilkhampton. He died possessed of that living and the rectory of Week S. Mary. His will was proved May 17, 1580. Carew observes that Sir John Chamond " was uncle and great uncle to at least 300, wherein yet his vncle and neighbour, master Greynuile, parson of Kilkhampton, did exceed him." Digory, the third son, established himself at Penheale in Egloskerry, and married Philippa (or Mary) Tregarthen, who was buried at Kilkhampton August 13, 1539.
15. Sir Richard, eldest son of Sir Roger, improved the family estate by his marriage with Matilda, daughter and coheir of Bevill of Gwarnike in S. Allen. In the 33 Henry VIII. 1541, the king granted him and his heirs the manor of Buckland Monachorum and the rectory of Moorwinstow. He was buried at Kilkhampton March 24, 1550, and his lady on April 25 following.
Their only son Roger entered the naval service and became a captain ; but was drowned in the lifetime of his parents, on July 18, 1545, in the Mary Rose, which sunk at Spithead with 700 men on board. By his young wife Thomasine, daughter of Thomas Cole of Slade in Devon, he had
16. Sir Richard Grenville, his heir, and grandson of the late Sir Richard. By an inquisition taken after the death of Richard de Greynfleld, 4 Edward VI., 1550, he appears to have died seised of the manor and borough of Kilkhampton, and also of the advowson to the same manor belonging, also of three messuages, 300 acres of arable land, 40 acres of meadow, and 120 acres of wood in Stowe and Dynsmouth, parcel of the said manor. Of one messuage in Tyttesmarsh within the parish of Kilkhampton, purchased of Henry VIII., in 1546. Of 8 acres of pasture in Kilkhampton called Betham dose, and of North Park, Collard, Ryggeway Park, Sandway Park, Wortham, and le West Park, and Bell, in Kirkehampton, with other property. The manor, borough, and demesne lands were worth yearly £62 3s. 5d., but the advowson was worth nothing because it was full.
Sir Richard was a great admirer of the naval profession, and rose by merit to the rank
of vice-admiral. In August, 1591, he lost his valuable life in a sea-fight with the Spaniards off Terceira. It is not generally known that he was the discoverer of Virginia. In the library of the Duke of Buckingham at Stowe, was one of the four copies extant of A briefe and true report of the newefounde lande of Virginia, discovered by Sir Richard Greinville, Knight, in 1585. His Mend Sir Walter Raleigh, undertook its publication, and it was printed by De Bry, at Frankfort, in folio, 1590. By his wife Mary, eldest daughter of Sir John St. Leger, Knt,, of Annery, in Devon, he had sons, Bernard; John and Roger who died young; and Richard, whose marriage licence with Gertrude Incledon of Braunton, is dated May 8, 1616, who died within a year after; also three daughters, Katherine, who married, June 2, 1589, Justinian Abbot, Esq., of Hartland; Mary, who married, June 11, 1586, Arthur Tremaine, gent.; Bridget; Ursula, who married first, Christopher son and heir of John Harris, Esq., of Lanrest, in Liskeard, and secondly, Anthony Dennis, of Orleigh.
17. Sir Bernard Grenville, Knight, eldest son of the vice-admiral, was fortunate in his marriage, July 10, 1593, with Elizabeth, daughter and heir of Philip Bevill, Esq., of Killigarth, in Talland, and of Bruin, in Withiel. Bevill, his first son was termed the Mirror of Chivalry and Hero of his country ; Richard, baptized at Kilkhampton June 26, 1600. He was knighted by Charles I., Sept. 22, 1625, and created a baronet April 9, 1631, for distinguished services in the field. He published in quarto A narative of affairs in the West since the Earl of Essex's defeat at Lodwithiel, in 1644.
Sir Richard was so particularly obnoxious to the Parliamentary party, that he was perpetually the subject of ridicule to their journalists, who seldom spoke of him but by the soubriquet of Skellum Grenville. During the dissensions between the civil power and the military in 1645, he was superseded and imprisoned by the advice of Sir Edward Hyde, afterwards Earl of Clarendon; who gives a very unamiable character of Sir Richard, representing him as having been in the highest degree oppressive, tyrannical, and unprincipled ; but other writers attribute much of this to the personal enmity which was known to have subsisted between them.
As Sir Richard was not included in the Parliamentary pardon of November 11, 1648, he retired to Ghent, where he died in 1658, leaving no issue by his wife Mary, daughter of Sir John Fitz, of Fitzford, in Tavistock parish.
Sir Bernard's third son was John baptized Sept. 29, 1601, and was living at Lincoln's Inn in 1641. A son was buried at Kilkhampton September 1, 1598 ; a daughter Elizabeth was buried September 12, 1605; and a daughter Gertrude was baptized May 8, 1597. Sir Bernard, who was M.P. for Bodmin 39 Elizabeth, 1596, died in June, 1636.
18. Sir Bevill Grenville was born at Brinn, in Withiel, March 23, 1595. He was educated at Exeter College, Oxford ; and married Grace, daughter of Sir George Smith, or more properly Smythe, Knight, of Matford, in Heavitrie, Devon, by his wife Grace, fifth daughter of William Yiell of Trevorder, in S. Breock, and relict of Peter Bevill. Her sister Elizabeth had previously married Sir Thomas Monk, of Potheridge, in Morton, Devon, whoso second son George was the noted General Monk.
The following interesting letter was addressed to Sir John Trelawny, the first baronet of that name.
Most Honourable Sir,
I have in many kinds had trial of your nobleness, but in none more than in this singular expression of your kind care and love. I give also your excellent Lady humble thanks for respect unto my poor Woman, who hath been long a faithful much obliged servant of your Ladyes. But Sir, for my journey, it is fixed. I cannot contain myself within my doors, when the King of England's standard waves in the field upon so just occasion. The cause being such as must make all those that die in it little inferior to martyrs. And for my own part, I desire to acquire an honest name or an honourable grave. I never loved my life or ease so much as to shun such an occasion; which if I should, I were unworthy of the profession I have held, or to succeed those ancestors of mine, who have so many of them in several ages sacrificed their lives for their country.
Sir, the barbarous and implacable enemy, notwithstanding His Majesty's gracious proceedings with them, to continue their insolencies and rebellion in the highest degree, and are united in a body of great strength ; so as you may expect, if they be not prevented and mastered near their own homes, they will be troublesome in yours, and in the remotest places ere long.
I am not without the consideration, as you lovingly advise, of my wife and family ; and as for her I must acknowledge, she hath ever drawn so evenly in the yoke with me, as she hath never prest before, or hung behind me, nor ever opposed or resisted my will. And yet truly I have not, in this or anything else, endeavoured to walk in any way of power with her, but of reason ; and though her love will submit to either, yet truly my respect will not suffer me to urge her with power, unless I can convince with reason. So much for that, whereof I am willing, to be accomptable unto so good a friend.
I have no suit unto you in mine own behalf, but for your prayers and good wishes ; andthat if Hive to come home again, you would please to continue me in the number of your servants.
I shall give a true relation unto my very noble friend Mr. Moyle, of your and his Aunt's loving respects to him, which he hath good reason to be thankful for. And so I beseech God to send you and your noble family all health and happiness, and while Hive I am, Sir,
Your unfeigned loving and faithful servant,
BEVILL GRENVILE.
Sir Bevill joined the king's party at Nottingham, in August, 1642 ; and was at the battle of Bradock Downs, on the 19th of the following January. He was also at the battle of Stratton, May 6, 1643 ; and at Lansdown, near Bath, on the 5th of July, in that same year, where he was slain. Sir John Hinton, M.D., in his memorial to Charles II., writes thus,—" The bloody and tedious battle of Landsown, lasted from break of day until very late at night, where Sir Bevill Grenville, father of the now Earl of Bath, bravely behaving himself, was killed at the head of his stand of pikes, and in his extremity, I was the last man that had him by the hand before he dyed." His body was brought to Stowe, and deposited in the family vault in Kilkhampton church, July 26, 1643.
By his lady Sir Bevill had several children. 1. Richard born at Tremecre, in Lanteglos by Fowey, March 19, 1620-1. He is supposed to have died whilst studying at Oxford. 2. Bevill, born June 23, 1626 ; and was buried at Kilkampton, at about ten years of age. 3. John, his heir. 4. Bernard, baptized March 20, 1630-1. He married Anne, daughter and heir of Cuthbcrt Morley, of Hornby, in Yorkshire, by whom he had several children. He died June 2, 1701. His eldest surviving son, George, was created Baron Lansdown, of Bideford, in 1712. This poet and statesman had married Mary Villiers, relict of Thomas Thynne, Esq., but died without issue in 1734-5. His younger brother Bernard, by his wife, Mary Marten, left a son also called Bernard who died without issue, July 5, 1775 ; he was the last of the name and male line of this family of Grenville.
5. George, born August 22, 1632 ; he died without issue. 6. Roger, born November 3, 1633. 7. Dennis, born February 13, 1636-7, took orders and succeeded his first cousin Dr. Nicholas Monk, younger brother of General Monk, in the rectory of Kilkhampton in 1661, but which he resigned May 11, 1664. On December 14, 1684, he was installed Dean of Durham ; but unable to reconcile it with his conscience to abjure James II., he was deprived of his dignity in February, 1690. He retired to Paris where he died without issue. His brother John, Earl of Bath, writing to a nephew who had consulted him on the expediency of becoming a clergyman, thus characterises the Dean,—" Tou had an uncle, the late dean of Durham, whose memory I shall ever revere. Make him your example. Sanctity sat so easy, so unaffected, so graceful upon him, that in him we beheld the very beauty of holiness ; he was as cheerful, as familiar, as condescending in his communications, as he was strict, regular, and exemplary in his piety ; as well bred and accomplished as a courtier ; and as reverend and venerable as an apostle. He was indeed apostolical in every thing : for he left all to follow his Lord and Master. May you resemble him : may he revive in you : may his Spirit descend upon you as Elijah's on Elisha; and may the Great God of Heaven in guiding, directing, and strengthening your pious resolutions, pour down the choicest of his blessings upon you."
Of Sir Bevill's daughters,—Bridget, born January 13, 1629-30, married first Sir Simon Leach, of Cadely, and secondly Sir Thomas Higgons. Elizabeth, married Peter Prideaux, Esq., November 17, 1645. Joane born September 30, 1635. Mary, born June 24, 1638; buried August 4, 1639. Grace, married Robert Fortescue, Esq., February 20, 1644. Catharine buried February 12, 1631-2.
Sir Bevill was M.P. for the county the 18. and 21. of James I. and 16 Charles I.; and for Launceston the 1. 3. and 15. of the latter king.
19. John, eldest surviving son of Sir Bevill, was born August 29, 1628 ; he succeeded to the estate, and inherited the loyalty of his ancestors. At a very early age he had a command in his father's regiment, and was left among the slain at the battle of Newberry. He was appointed governor of the Scilly Islands when they revolted from the Parliament; and when necessitated in May, 1651, to surrender to admiral Blake's superior force, he refused to accept any terms from a foreign power.
He was one of the chief instruments in effecting the restoration of Charles II. He gave the living of Kilkhampton to Dr. Nicholas Monk, and employed him to influence his brother, the general, in favour of the exiled king. Having succeeded in his negociations, he had the satisfaction of being the bearer of the king's letters to General Monk, and to the Parliament.
For these services Charles II., on April 20, 1661, created him Baron Grenville, Viscount Lansdown, and Earl of Bath. In 1680 he pulled down the old house at Stowe and built a magnificent mansion in its place; but as if to muik the instability of all human things, one individual, who saw its foundations laid, and its internal deeorutions completed in a stile of splendour worthy of the noblest house in the west of England, lived also to witness the utter demolition of the whole in 1720, and the materials disposed of by public auction. It has been said that almost every gentleman's seat in Cornwall received some embellishment from Stowe. Place House, Padstow, received an entire staircase. It is a singular circumstance that the cedar wainscotting, which had been.bought out of a Spanish prize, and used in for fitting up the chapel, was purchased by Lord Cobham and applied to the same purpose at Stowe, the seat of the Grenvilles, in Buckinghamshire. The carved work ot the chapel was executed by Michael Chuke, an artist little inferior to Gibbons. The buildings are said to have occupied about three acres and half of ground, and were surrounded with gardens, fountains, and statues. The house stood on an eminence overlooking a well-wooded valley ; but had not a tree near it to shelter it from the north west. The kitchen and other detached offices were fitted up as a steward's residence, and made no contemptible figure. These also were taken down about the year 1793, and a farm house erected on the site.
from A Complete Parochial History of the County of Cornwall by Joseph Polsue google books2
| 1 | "US and International Marriage Records, 1550-1900" (on-line, Yates Publishing, Provo, UT). |
| 2 | Joseph Polsue, "A Complete Parochial History of the County of Cornwall" (Google books??). |